Turkey’s DEM Party Anticipates Historic Declaration from PKK Leader Ocalan

Turkey’s pro-Kurdish DEM party is set to meet with PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan to discuss a potential “historic declaration” regarding peace efforts. This meeting represents the third dialogue initiative in recent months, following increased communication between Ocalan and Turkish politicians. Expectations are high for Ocalan to make a public call for peace, although the extent of his appeal remains unclear.

Turkey’s prominent pro-Kurdish party, the Democratic Regions Party (DEM), anticipates a “historic declaration” from Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). This announcement is expected to contribute to ongoing efforts aimed at resolving a longstanding conflict with Ankara. A delegation from DEM is scheduled to visit Ocalan on Thursday at his prison on Imrali Island, marking their third visit in recent months.

The DEM party’s statement reveals that if events transpire smoothly, they expect Ocalan to make an important declaration during their meeting. The Turkish justice ministry granted permission for the visit, which is set to conclude with a press release around 5:00 PM local time. The group consists of seven members, including Ocalan’s lawyer, Faik Ozgur Erol, who is advocating for a video message from the PKK leader rather than a written statement.

Abdullah Ocalan, aged 75, has been incarcerated since 1999 and has recently engaged in dialogues with DEM lawmakers who briefed various parliamentary factions on their discussions. The dialogue is prompted, in part, by ultra-nationalist political leader Devlet Bahceli, an ally of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. There is increasing speculation surrounding the potential for Ocalan to urge PKK fighters to cease hostilities in exchange for concessions benefiting the Kurdish community.

The delegation traveling to meet Ocalan includes DEM co-chairs Tulay Hatimogullari and Tuncer Bakirhan, along with Ahmet Turk, a veteran Kurdish politician recognized for his efforts in resolving Kurdish issues. The presence of Deputy Speaker Sirri Sureyya Onder and other lawmakers highlights a collaborative political effort to address and possibly resolve the ongoing conflict between PKK rebels and the Turkish state, which has resulted in over 40,000 deaths since the conflict began in 1984.

Past negotiations aimed at peace collapsed amid escalating violence in 2015, leading to a cessation of communication between the Turkish government and Ocalan. The current developments have generated cautious optimism regarding the potential for progress towards peace in the region.

The Democratic Regions Party (DEM) is poised for significant developments regarding the Kurdish conflict, as they await a pivotal announcement from PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan. This meeting signifies renewed dialogue efforts after years of hostility, with prominent figures involved aiming at a lasting resolution. The anticipated declaration from Ocalan may play a crucial role in steering the Kurdish community towards peace and reconciliation with the Turkish government.

Original Source: www.albianews.com